Abstract: There is provided a dual mount end cap system for mounting a rod. The dual mount end cap system includes both a threaded system and a fastener system. This enables end caps of the system to be pre-mounted using a fastener and also adjusted using the threaded system. The fastener can extend through the dual mount end cap system. Alternatively, the threaded system can be used without the fastener system. There also is provided a stop system to prevent a locking system for an adjustable rod system to prevent the locking system from becoming stuck.

Abstract: There is provided a lock mechanism for an adjustable rod. The lock mechanism provides a manually locking state and an automatic locking state. The automatic locking state provides a more secure locking engagement than the manual locking state. There is also provided improved end cap systems that minimize the number of components.

Abstract: A curved curtain rod is provided with adjustable rods and an adjustable end cap assembly. The adjustable end cap assembly includes a user accessible drive element that can be rotated to operate the adjustable end cap assembly.

Abstract: A transparent conductive film (TCF) and methods for creating the TCF. The TCF includes a substrate having a surface, a metal mesh layer over at least a portion of the surface of the substrate, and a conductive layer over the metal mesh layer. The conductive layer includes carbon nanotubes and a binder.

Abstract: A rotating shower rod is provided to change the location of a curved shower rod between one position projecting outward from shower or bathtub enclosure to a second position projecting inward to the enclosure. Surface mounts provide two axes of rotation for the shower rod. The shower rod includes two tubes that telescopically extend and retract relative to one another.

Abstract: A composite wheel for use at normal tire pressures as well as at reduced tire pressures may include a spoke section with a mating surface, a barrel section in contact with the spoke section at said mating surface, and a bead hump with tire lock geometry on at least the spoke section. The barrel section may further include a bead hump with the tire lock geometry.

Abstract: A rotating shower rod is provided to change the location of a curved shower rod between one position projecting outward from shower or bathtub enclosure to a second position projecting inward to the enclosure. Surface mounts provide two axes of rotation for the shower rod. The shower rod includes two tubes that telescopically extend and retract relative to one another.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting objects to a wall includes a base defining mounting holes for fasteners. An arm extends from the base and has a top, a bottom and a maximum width at the interconnection with the base. The mounting holes includes at least two that are spaced from another by a distance greater than a maximum width of the arm so that one of the mounting holes is outside the arm on one side of the arm and another of the mounting holes is outside the arm on the other side of the arm. At least a portion of the mounting holes is located above the top of the arm.

Abstract: A curved curtain rod is provided with adjustable rods and an adjustable end cap assembly. The adjustable end cap assembly includes a user accessible drive element that can be rotated to operate the adjustable end cap assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a lock mechanism for an adjustable rod. The lock mechanism provides a manually locking state and an automatic locking state. The automatic locking state provides a more secure locking engagement than the manual locking state. There is also provided improved end cap systems that minimize the number of components.

Abstract: A rod connector is provided including a disc portion, a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The disc portion has a first side configured to engage a first rod and a second side configured to engage a second rod. The first shaft portion extends from the first side of the disc portion and includes threads along at least a portion of the length thereof for engaging threads of the first rod to draw the first rod into engagement with the disc portion. The second shaft portion extends from the second side of the disc portion and includes threads along at least a portion of the length thereof for engaging threads of the second rod to draw the second rod into engagement with the disc portion.

Abstract: There is a self-tapping curtain rod bracket with spaced prongs terminating with tips. The tips and prongs are used to penetrate and create holes in a wall. They extend through the holes and engage the backside of the wall. A wall support extends from the spaced prongs along the frontside of the wall to provide support. An arm extends away from the wall and has a cradle to support a curtain rod. The wall support also has an arm support, and the spaced prongs also includes a mount support. The mount support being located between the arm support and the arm.

Abstract: There is provided a customizable shower caddy. The shower caddy includes connectors that can be set at various heights along a rod that is supported between a shower basin or tub at the bottom and a ceiling at the top. Product holders can be connected to the connectors at different positions about the rod. This provides flexibility in the layout of which direction the product holders extend from the rod, which enables the shower caddy to be set up for use in a corner, along a wall or in the center of the shower or tub.

Abstract: There is disclosed brackets for hanging items such as curtain rods for supporting curtains. The brackets may be installed in various configurations. In one aspect, the brackets may be installed without making leveling measurements.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting objects to a wall includes a base defining mounting holes for fasteners. An arm extends from the base and has a top, a bottom and a maximum width at the interconnection with the base. The mounting holes includes at least two that are spaced from another by a distance greater than a maximum width of the arm so that one of the mounting holes is outside the arm on one side of the arm and another of the mounting holes is outside the arm on the other side of the arm. At least a portion of the mounting holes is located above the top of the arm.

Abstract: There is provided a dual mount end cap system for mounting a rod. The dual mount end cap system includes both a threaded system and a fastener system. This enables end caps of the system to be pre-mounted using a fastener and also adjusted using the threaded system. The fastener can extend through the dual mount end cap system. Alternatively, the threaded system can be used without the fastener system. There also is provided a stop system to prevent a locking system for an adjustable rod system to prevent the locking system from becoming stuck.

Abstract: A rod connector is provided including a disc portion, a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The disc portion has a first side configured to engage a first rod and a second side configured to engage a second rod. The first shaft portion extends from the first side of the disc portion and includes threads along at least a portion of the length thereof for engaging threads of the first rod to draw the first rod into engagement with the disc portion. The second shaft portion extends from the second side of the disc portion and includes threads along at least a portion of the length thereof for engaging threads of the second rod to draw the second rod into engagement with the disc portion.

Abstract: There is a self-tapping curtain rod bracket with spaced prongs terminating with tips. The tips and prongs are used to penetrate and create holes in a wall. They extend through the holes and engage the backside of the wall. A wall support extends from the spaced prongs along the frontside of the wall to provide support. An arm extends away from the wall and has a cradle to support a curtain rod. The wall support also has an arm support, and the spaced prongs also includes a mount support. The mount support being located between the arm support and the arm.

Abstract: There is provided an endcap, connector, sleeve, and rod system lock designs that can be used to form a customizable shower caddy. The endcap can freely spin without axial movement. The connectors can support product holders at different positions along an extendable rod system. The sleeve can securely connect two rods together. The rod system lock provides a more secure connection between rods of the rod system to easily and reliably lock the rods to their desired combined length.